Maxence Lacroix has completed a £52m move to Chelsea, ending the France defender’s two-year stay at Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old, a central figure in the Eagles’ historic Conference League triumph, has signed a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge running until 2032, the move finally sealed after lengthy negotiations over the fee and personal terms.
For Palace, it represents a substantial return on a defender signed from Wolfsburg for an initial £15.5m in 2024. Lacroix made 55 appearances last season, anchoring the back line as Oliver Glasner’s side lifted the club’s first major European trophy and the FA Cup. His exit, confirmed by BBC Sport, leaves a notable gap at centre-half with the new campaign looming and sharpens Palace’s summer transfer business as the club weighs up replacements before the window shuts.
What Lacroix’s exit means for Palace
The France international, capped seven times, made no secret of his excitement at the switch to west London.
“I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club,” Lacroix said. “Everyone knows the legend of Chelsea, its tradition of winning, and to be a part of that is a proud moment.”
Pierre Sage now faces the task of reshaping his defence before the season starts, but few Palace supporters will begrudge Lacroix a move to a Champions League club — nor the fee that helps fund the Eagles’ next steps.
